Bob Richter says, yes, you can have "A Very Vintage Christmas" too!
(Ethan David Kent)

If you ring Bob Richter’s doorbell at his charming 1854 New Jersey home, you’ll hear “Jingle Bells.” It’s your first clue of what’s inside, so jingle on in to mingle.

When the in-demand interior designer and antiques aficionado flings opens the door to welcome you warmly, you’ll notice Christmas trees—14 of them, to be specific, all different and all with a story to tell. You’re in the presence of an expert who knows and shows us how to decorate with meaning and without spending a lot of money.

Bob, 46, is the “The Designer” on PBS’s adventure for treasure seekers, Market Warriors, and he’s also the author of a must-have holiday book, “A Very Vintage Christmas.” Thanks to the swiftness of Amazon Prime, there’s still time for you or a friend or family member to add more vintage Christmas magic to your holidays.

Bob Richter's holiday book is great for this Christmas, and the next, and the next and... (Ethan David Kent)

For his Top 10 tips for this holiday, read his most recent post on Huffington Post. Meanwhile, get to know Bob here as he shares memories of Christmas past and fires us up to make the most of this Christmas present (pun totally intended!).

Bob, you are quite the cinematic historian. So here’s a quiz. What are your top three vintage holiday movies?

I have to start with Christmas in Connecticut from 1945 with my favorite, Barbara Stanwyck, the most versatile of the old Hollywood actresses. Then there’s Holiday Affair from 1949 with Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum, with so much inspiration and their wonderful chemistry—so watchable. Then, of course, the classic It’s a Wonderful Life from 1946 with James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. I love to take someone to see that movie who hasn’t seen it—and to see it in a real theater.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve found in an attic?

This has to be my grandmother’s Christmas choirboy wax candles from the ’50s. Ours was a family business family, and one lean Christmas, they were the only decorations she bought for 5 cents.

Oh, my gosh! You made me realize my grandmother in Spruce Pine, N.C. had some of those. Now I wonder where they are, for you just brought back such a memory for me. Thank you, and please tell us about your most memorable flea market adventure—out of thousands, I’ll bet.

My brother, Johnny, a very talented artist, died at age 27 when I was 15. I was at a flea market in New York four years ago and saw this painting in the corner. He put himself in all his paintings and this one was also signed. Then I knew it was his! I didn’t want to give away all my cards during the negotiation. I did negotiate the price and asked the dealer where he got it and he said just outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I was born and raised. Lesson: You never know when you’ll find a piece of your own history.

On your blog, you say to buy what you love and that it never goes out of style. The fashion magazines, for example, might take issue with you. What do you say to “them”?

Don’t let people tell you what’s hot and what’s not. Remember that a lot of things we like have been on trend at one point in time. My home is decorated with things from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s and I want to live with things from different generations. People sometimes have the wrong idea about flea markets, like everything from there should have a doily underneath it. Not so, for what you find there can be so comforting. Plus, those things are less about the decade they’re from and more about color and design.

You’re a “hawk” in flea markets. How do we emulate you?

If you go in with a list of things you’re looking for, great, but keep an open mind as you look for what you like. My eye “travels” around flea markets to find something that strikes my fancy and works for me or a client, but most important—the price has to be right.

What’s happening in the industry right now?

There’s a lot of brouhaha about the antiques market softening and some dealers are feeling very concerned. They often think maybe millennials lack understanding and appreciation for older things. So many things used to be valuable but are not any more.

I ask, “Would you rather have a coffee table assembled in another country, or a beautiful piece of furniture crafted in North Carolina in the 1920s, like my grandmother’s bedroom furniture?” It even has my grandparents’ names stamped inside. Also remember that objects are conduits for stories about those who’ve gone before us.

You drive one hard bargain at a flea market. We want to do that too.

Don’t tip your hand but I really do feel you have to start out by letting the seller know you like something and that you honor it. I believe in the goodness of people, but everyone is not a good negotiator. Then they go to a flea market and put on a “tough hat,” and they’re not used to wearing it and they appear clumsy. When you say you “like” something to the seller, you establish a relationship and make a connection, especially when you ask questions or say that “This reminds me of…”

Even the kitchen can be a part of your vintage Christmas. (Ethan David kent)

And about bargaining?

Ask about price, then ask about best price and say you’ll “consider it.” Make an offer and if they say “no” you can say, “I will think about it.” Walk away and come back later. Remember that the seller has all that stuff to pack up and take home that day. Make another offer, but don’t make it for half of the best price—maybe 10 percent less. You can also say, “I don’t typically pay more than X dollars for this.” Chances are you will leave with that item, especially if you are a nice person.

How can someone like me or anyone reading this who’s not crafty or handy make magic from your book? I mean, I would only dream of having 14 trees!

You can have your home be as it was meant to be and you can honor those who’ve gone before you. Example: Find a nice bowl and put tissue paper in the bottom and then arrange your grandmother’s ornaments in the bowl and put it on a table by the door in your entryway. When you pass by, you will think of your grandmother.

Give me one easy example of how I can capture the spirit and warmth of the holiday by going vintage? Oh, and maybe we should explain how you define “vintage.”

If it’s 20 years or older, it’s vintage. (We’re all vintage here!) I think holiday decorations should contain the three touchstones: connection, comfort and continuity. They are connected to a part of myself. They are comforting—I remember when I was a child—and they represent continuity in my family.

It’s obvious you are taking care of your health and you are disciplined. What are you eating—or not—right now, Bob?

Rule No. 1, if I’m the entertainer I will eat a lot less because I’m so busy being the host and being social—not hunched over the buffet. If I’m at a party, I choose things that are less carb-centric. Also, if it’s not delicious I don’t want to eat it. During the season, I do allow myself a few more decadent things, but I do go for the crudités. I drink a bottle of water before a party and I feel fuller.

What else? I know you have more ideas.

Here’s a trick: Use those vintage china plates because—Did you know?—they are smaller, which is how you want your waistline to be! And they’re charming and appealing.

So I can see that you have been working out and…working out. What’s your routine?

I love boot camp exercises to burn fat and build muscle, and to help with endorphins. I do those exercises in class or on my own.

Even the holidays don't get in the way of Bob Richter's gym time. (Ethan David Kent)

What else do you do to mix it up?

I do cardio maintenance on the treadmill, and weights and weight stack equipment (“machines” or the circuit). Here’s the thing: If I don’t have an entire hour to go, I still go, even if it’s for only 20 minutes. It’s better than if I don’t do anything at all.

Thanks for inspiring us. Now up to the attic we go! (Where’s that box of ornaments?)

Mind Your Body with Stephanie Stephens features celebrities and high achievers age 45+ who share their latest projects, healthy living secrets and more.

AMG/Parade Digital

Connect With Us

More from AMG/Parade

Our partners

Your use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance
of our User Agreement,
Privacy Policy,
Cookie Notification,
and awareness of the California Privacy Rights.
Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal
and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced,
distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used,
without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Media Group.
Ad Choices